Containers for storing and dispensing fluids

ABSTRACT

Containers for storing and dispensing liquids are described, the containers including a base portion; a top portion; a circumferential wall extending between the base portion and the top portion; an opening is provided in the top portion; a circumferential inwardly directed formation is provided on the container wall in proximity to the opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to containers for storing and dispensingliquids.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Most liquid storage containers have a sealed opening in their upperregion. To dispense liquid from the container the opening is unsealedand then the container is tipped to cause the contents of the containerto pour out of the opening. This arrangement is well known and is seenin beverage containers such as cans and bottles, and in largercontainers such as drum type containers for storing larger volumes offluids.

Dispensing liquids from a container by tipping the container does bringseveral drawbacks. In the case of a beverage being drunk from a can orbottle, many have found that the experience of drinking the beverage isinferior to the experience of drinking the same beverage from a glass.In the case of dispensing liquids from larger drum type containers, itis often the case that spillage occurs which brings a risk of personalinjury, fluid loss and local contamination.

There remains a need for improved containers for storing and dispensingliquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a container for storingand dispensing liquids including: a base portion; a top portion; acircumferential wall extending between the base portion and the topportion; an opening is provided in the top portion; a circumferentialinwardly directed formation is provided on the container wall inproximity to the opening.

The inwardly directed formation may be provided in the top 30% of thecontainer wall.

The inwardly directed formation may be provided in the top 20% of thecontainer wall.

The inwardly directed formation may be provided in the top 10% of thecontainer wall.

The inwardly directed formation may be in the form of an inwardlydirected depression in the container wall.

The container may be substantially cylindrical.

The ratio of the diameter of the container at the deepest part of thedepression to the diameter at the cylindrical wall may be between 0.8and 0.9.

The ratio of the diameter of the container at the deepest part of thedepression to the diameter at the cylindrical wall may be about 0.83.

The ratio of the vertical height of the depression to the diameter atthe depression may be between 0.15 and 0.4.

The ratio of the vertical height of the depression to the diameter atthe depression may be about 0.2.

The opening may have a maximum height dimension extending in a directioninwardly of the container wall, and a maximum width dimension extendingtransversely to the height dimension, and the maximum width dimensionmay intersect the maximum height dimension at a point which is locatedmore than 50% of the way along the height dimension in a directioninwardly of the container wall.

The maximum width dimension may intersect the maximum height dimensionat a point which is located more than 75% of the way along the heightdimension in a direction inwardly of the container wall.

The maximum width dimension may intersect the maximum height dimensionat a point which is located about 90% of the way along the heightdimension in a direction inwardly of the container wall.

The container may be a can.

The container may be bottle.

The container may be a drum.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a container forstoring and dispensing liquids including: a base portion; a top portion;a circumferential wall extending between the base portion and the topportion; an opening is provided in the top portion; wherein the openinghas a maximum height dimension extending in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall, and a maximum width dimension extending transversely tothe height dimension, and wherein the maximum width dimension intersectsthe maximum height dimension at a point which is located more than 50%of the way along the height dimension in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drink can according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the can of FIG. 1 shown open, and inthe process of dispensing liquid from the can;

FIG. 3 is a front on view of the drink can of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show two styles of holding the can of FIG. 1 in the hand;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternative shapes of opening that can be usedin other embodiments of cans;

FIGS. 8 to 13 illustrate processing steps in a method of forming the canof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show two bottles according to two further embodiments;and

FIG. 16 shows a drum for storing chemicals according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a container for storing and dispensing liquids isshown in the form of a beverage can 10. Can 10 includes acircumferential wall in the form of cylindrical side wall 12 and a baseportion in the form of base 14. Can 10 also includes a top portion inthe form of cap 20 which includes an opening 22. Opening 22 is shown inFIG. 1 in the sealed state in which it is occupied by a frangible region28 which is defined by score lines. The can is opened by lifting ringpull 24 which causes the frangible region 28 to become partiallyseparated and bent inwardly of cap 20 to thereby form opening 22. Theside wall 12 of can 10 includes a circumferential inwardly directedformation (see also FIG. 2) formed by the annular depression 30 in thewall.

Referring to FIG. 2, can 10 has been opened and is shown part waythrough dispensing the liquid contents 40 of the can by tipping the canon its side. Liquid 40 emanates from opening 22 as indicated by arrowsF. As liquid 40 leaves the can 10 it is replaced by air entering the canindicated by arrow E. As the liquid 40 nears the opening it passes overthe formation being the inside surface of annular depression 30. It hasbeen found that providing an annular depression near to the containeropening greatly improves the flow characteristics of the liquidemanating from the container by making the flow laminar rather thanturbulent.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the annulargroove creates what may be termed a convex transfer hump internally ofthe can. This promotes liquid to stay relatively motionless within thecan on either side of the convex hump. This then promotes the liquidabove to float in a more laminar (and less turbulent) stream above theconvex hump directly to the outlet. This reduces the moving liquid'sfriction against the wall of the can, which is a source of turbulentflow.

Referring now to FIG. 3, container 10 is shown in end view in the sameconfiguration as shown in FIG. 2. The liquid level 40 is visible throughopening 22. For ease of illustration, the stream of liquid F which wouldbe emanating from the container in this configuration is not shown.

It can be seen that opening 22 is somewhat wider at its upper region asseen in FIG. 3 when compared with its lower region. Opening 22 has amaximum height dimension D extending from construction line A toconstruction line B in a direction inwardly of the container wall, and amaximum width dimension C extending transversely to the height dimensionD. The maximum width dimension C intersects the maximum height dimensionD at a point which is located 90% of the way along the height dimensionin a direction inwardly of the container wall. That is to say, thedistance from construction line A to the point of intersection of linesC and D is nine times the distance from construction line B to the pointof intersection of lines C and D.

The shape of the outlet 22 further supports laminar flow from the canand lessens the tendency for turbulent flow and glugging at the opening.Air enters through the top wide section over the top of the liquid 40.

The annular depression 30 provides a convenient formation to facilitateholding of the can 10 in a manner which minimises heat transfer into thecan which may otherwise warm the beverage stored in the can. In FIG. 4can 10 is shown being held in a hand between thumb and forefinger. Incontrast, a user would normally hold a regular straight sidedcylindrical can in the palm of their hand and wrapping many fingersaround the can. The grip shown in FIG. 4 results in a far lower surfacearea of contact between the warm skin of a user's hand and the outersurface of the can, reducing heat transfer into the can.

Similarly, in FIG. 5, can 10 is shown in an overhand style of gripbetween thumb and fingertips. This grip also results in a far lowersurface area of contact between the skin of a user's hand and the outersurface of the can, reducing heat transfer into the can.

In the embodiment described above the annular depression was provided inthe top 20% of the height of the container. In other embodiments theannular groove may be provided in the top 30% of the height of thecontainer.

In the embodiment described above the ratio of the diameter of thecontainer at the deepest part of the depression to the diameter at thecylindrical wall is 0.83. In other embodiments it may be between 0.8 and0.9.

In the embodiment above the ratio of the vertical height of the annulardepression to the diameter of the container measured at the deepest partof the depression is 0.2. In other embodiments it may be between 0.15and 0.4.

With regards to variations in the shape of the opening 22 of the can, inthe embodiment described above the maximum width dimension D intersectedthe maximum height dimension at a point which is located 90% of the wayalong the height dimension in a direction inwardly of the containerwall. In other embodiments the maximum width dimension may intersect themaximum height dimension at a point which is located more than 50% or75% of the way along the height dimension in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall.

Some possible alternative outline shapes of outlets for cans are shownlabelled 122 in FIGS. 6 and 222 in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a sequence of operations for forming can 10from aluminium will now be described. Preformed can bodies are conveyedinto a necking machine with a rotating turret. The turret holds a seriesof dies to create the annular depression in the can's body, which isformed parallel to the base of the can. The partly formed can's body hasa gradual radius (chamfer) drawn into the circumference (outsidediameter) by a tooling arrangement 60 (see FIG. 8) which includes a dieassembly 62 to make the diameter smaller. The tooling arrangement has aninternal support shaft 64, inserted to maintain a new internal diameterthat is drawn in the can's body by the addition of the gradual radius.The tooling arrangement shrouds the can's body and draws inward theexternal circumference. A series of dies pass onto the can and eachreduce the diameter and vary the external angles to result in a partlyformed can body as seen in FIG. 9.

Now referring to FIG. 10, a series of internal expansion dies ofsteadily increasing diameter 66 (one of which is shown in FIG. 10) arebrought to bear on the partially formed can body 10 a to then increasethe size of the diameter of the top region of the can body to create thedepression. The dies shrouds 68 protect the increasing outside diameterof the can.

The integrity of depression angle that was drawn into the can isprotected by an integrity ring 70. Integrity ring 70 is best seen inFIGS. 11 and 12. It is provided in two halves 70 a, 70 b which arebrought around the partly formed can body to form the shape of thedepression. The series of internal expansion dies 66 increases theinternal diameter gradually back to the external outside diameter, thisis supported by the external expansion shroud (see FIG. 13). Theexpansion dies shaft has a dual action to also create the reverse angleof the depression. On completion there is ample can body materialremaining above the depression for edge trimming, necking and crimpingto complete the can body in preparation for filling and closing with acap.

Caps 12 are die cut and stamped to produce an outlet of the desiredshape. The can body is closed by applying a cap 12 in a conventionalmanner.

A sequence of operations similar to that described above can be carriedout using a set of dies prepared for use with existing can makingmachinery, such as the Vertical Sidewall Shaper™ machine produced byBelvac Production Machinery, Inc (www.belvac.com).

Cans 10 can alternatively be formed from steel. In a manufacturingprocess using steel, after the can's wall is ironed the steel can entersa beader to add the annular depression into the can's exterior. Asomewhat wedge shaped roller is used to score the annular groove intothe exterior of the can's body.

Containers may also be provided in the form of bottles, examples ofwhich are labelled 100, 200 in FIGS. 14, 15. Bottles 100, 200 may beformed from either plastic (i.e. PET) or glass by moulding in atraditional manner. The annular depressions 130, 230 are formed bypreparing a suitably shaped mould.

Containers may also be provided in the form of drums. FIG. 16illustrates a steel drum 300 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The depression 330 has been formed by shaping into the drumat the point of production on the drums beader. The beader adds two tothree rolling hoops (depending on the drums volume) to the drum's shellfor rigidity. A further wedge shaped roller is incorporated in thisprocess to simultaneously form the depression 330 in the shell as therolling hoops are added.

Drums can also be formed from plastics by moulding and blowing in aknown manner using a mould prepared for the purpose.

Drums and bottles according to embodiments of the invention can be usedto store a range of liquids including liquids which are hazardous suchas by being toxic, radioactive, acidic, alkaline and/or biomedical innature.

It can be seen that embodiments of the invention have at least one ofthe following advantages:

1. Ease of Hold—improved comfortable grip and safety.The hand naturally reaches for the groove which firms the grip on thecontainer reducing the risk of slippage, even when moisture is present.2. Reduced Heat Transfer—energy savings and improved enjoyment.The movement of the hand to grip the groove lessens the surface area ofthe hand in contact with a cold beverage. This reduces heat flow to acolder fluid and potentially means a beverage can be delivered at aslightly higher temperature because it won't warm as quickly in thehand. This reduces the initial cost of energy to cool cans.3. Improved Fluid Dynamics—increased laminar and reduced turbulent flow.Fluid Dynamics, is the science of how liquids flow. Fluids broadly flowin two ways; laminar and turbulent. In the majority of beveragecontainers, in particular cans (aluminium or steel) and bottles, fluidflow has a significant component that is turbulent. The turbulence inthe liquid changes the properties of all liquid types may they becarbonated or still (beverages) and even hazardous fluids.The circumferential inwardly directed formation allows liquid to stay inpredominately laminar flow during tilt and pour of the container. Thosewith an outlet as in the beverage can, the outlet has been specificallyshaped to promote this internal laminar flow across the majority of thepour.4. Reduced Glug/Chug—reduced aeration, burping and improved digestion.Aeration disturbs many natural properties of any liquid, though incarbonated drinks, the carbonation is a major characteristic of thedrink.At a minor level when a carbonated soft drink, water or alcoholicbeverages are consumed from existing cans they experience turbulence asthe liquid exits the can's outlet. This promotes glug (chug) andincreases aeration of the liquid, decreasing the properties ofcarbonation and as the consumer is forced to gulp air. The end result isto create excess gas consumption that may result in burping (belching),stomach cramps, flatulence or other digestive disruption. Embodiments ofthe invention reduce the chances of glug and aeration by the internalliquid transfer hump (promoting increased laminar flow) and the top widesection of the outlet allowing airflow to flow over the outflow ofliquid.In the case of flammable liquids, aeration from turbulent flow increasesflammability across flammable substances. Therefore, reduction ofaeration reduces the risk of fire.5. Sustained carbonation (effervescence/fizz)—improved product taste.6. Reduction in sugar—without loss of flavour.Embodiments of the invention can bring forth a change in the taste of acanned beverage because the liquid experiences higher laminar flow,reduced glug and reduced aeration.It has been experimented that sweetened liquids consumed in this morelaminar way encourages the human palate to not notice a modest reductionin sugar or artificial sweetener as part of the formulation of thebrands product. This is because sweet tasting products tend to tasteless sweet from existing cans due to the negative impact of turbulentflow on mouthfeel and taste. This opens the way for manufacturers ofsweet drinks to actually reduce sugar content and the user experiencesno reduction in sweetness. This saves on raw material cost and appealsto consumers/government desiring reduced sugar intake.7. Mouthfeel improved and can be tailored—enhancing user experience.Mouthfeel is the sensation that is the precursor to taste, it's whatconsumers recognise as being regular to the preference and satisfaction.As mouthfeel is an initial response to consumption, mouthfeel can bemodified or designed through flow rate and improved laminar flow pour.8. Faster consumption rate—via increased laminar flow and reducedaeration.Increased laminar flow, reduced aeration and other factors allow fluidto flow out of a can or bottle faster.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as anadmission that the information is common general knowledge, unlessotherwise indicated.

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additionsmay be made to the parts previously described without departing from thespirit or ambit of the present invention.

1. A container for storing and dispensing liquids including: a baseportion; a top portion; a circumferential wall extending between thebase portion and the top portion; an opening is provided in the topportion; a circumferential inwardly directed formation is provided onthe container wall in proximity to the opening.
 2. A container accordingto any preceding claim wherein the inwardly directed formation isprovided in the top 30% of the container wall.
 3. A container accordingto any preceding claim wherein the inwardly directed formation isprovided in the top 20% of the container wall.
 4. A container accordingto any preceding claim wherein the inwardly directed formation isprovided in the top 10% of the container wall.
 5. A container accordingto any preceding claim wherein the inwardly directed formation is in theform of an inwardly directed depression in the container wall.
 6. Acontainer according to claim 5 wherein the container is substantiallycylindrical.
 7. A container according to claim 6 wherein the ratio ofthe diameter of the container at the deepest part of the depression tothe diameter at the cylindrical wall is between 0.8 and 0.9.
 8. Acontainer according to claim 6 wherein the ratio of the diameter of thecontainer at the deepest part of the depression to the diameter at thecylindrical wall is about 0.83.
 9. A container according to claim 6wherein the ratio of the vertical height of the depression to thediameter at the depression is between 0.15 and 0.4.
 10. A containeraccording to claim 6 wherein the ratio of the vertical height of thedepression to the diameter at the depression is about 0.2.
 11. Acontainer according to any preceding claim wherein the opening has amaximum height dimension extending in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall, and a maximum width dimension extending transversely tothe height dimension, and wherein the maximum width dimension intersectsthe maximum height dimension at a point which is located more than 50%of the way along the height dimension in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall.
 12. A container according to claim 12 wherein themaximum width dimension intersects the maximum height dimension at apoint which is located more than 75% of the way along the heightdimension in a direction inwardly of the container wall.
 13. A containeraccording to claim 12 wherein the maximum width dimension intersects themaximum height dimension at a point which is located about 90% of theway along the height dimension in a direction inwardly of the containerwall.
 14. A container according to any preceding claim wherein thecontainer is a can.
 15. A container according to any preceding claimwherein the container is a bottle.
 16. A container according to anypreceding claim wherein the container is a drum.
 17. A container forstoring and dispensing liquids including: a base portion; a top portion;a circumferential wall extending between the base portion and the topportion; an opening is provided in the top portion; wherein the openinghas a maximum height dimension extending in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall, and a maximum width dimension extending transversely tothe height dimension, and wherein the maximum width dimension intersectsthe maximum height dimension at a point which is located more than 50%of the way along the height dimension in a direction inwardly of thecontainer wall.